Scots mum’s joy as garden transformed into hot tub haven for son with cerebral palsy – Daily Record

A Scot's mum has spoken of her joy after her garden was transformed into a hot tub haven for her son with cerebral palsy.

KerryMcPhee said Ashton, known as AJ, has had his life completely transformed since Make A Wish Foundation and a Glasgow landscaper made their garden dreams come true.

Seven-year-old AJ, from Paisley, was born 17 weeks premature in April 2013.

He weighed just a tiny 1lbs 5oz and as a result suffered serious health complications.

The youngster was diagnosed with severe chronic lung disease, suffered brain bleeds, underwent open heart surgery and had multiple blood and platelet transfusions, before being diagnosed with cerebral palsy just before his first birthday.

Scottish Ambulance Service call handler Kerry said: "The type of cerebral palsy Ashton has is severe and affects all four limbs.

"He also suffers with a condition called dystonia which causes him to have a lot of spasms and muscle tightness which can be distressing and painful to him despite him being on a lot of daily medication."

Until lockdown happened, Ashton was receiving one session of hydrotherapy per week at his school Riverbrae in Linwood.

The hydrotherapy gives Ashton a lot of pain relief and Kerry said he struggled without them.

Kerry, 37, added: "Luckily I had applied to Make A Wish to ask for a hot tub for Ashton at the end of last year because I knew how much he would benefit from hydrotherapy at home.

"We were just so happy and amazed when the charity granted our wish so quickly.

"Sadly our garden was not hut tub ready at the time and we had to quickly come up with a plan to sort it out so Ashton could start benefiting from it."

Thanks to a few free materials and reduced labour costs by Glasgow Garden Maintenance director Jordan, the family were able to afford to get the work started on their garden earlier this year.

Kerry said: "Jordan asked why we were wanted this work done and when we told him about Ashton he offered to help and made Ashton's hot tub area a reality.

"The team were fantastic and worked tirelessly through some really rubbish weather to get it finished.

"We are absolutely over the moon with the results. I still can't believe this is in our garden.

"For most people, a hot tub is a luxury but for Ashton it's a necessity.

"While in the hot tub, he is free from his wheelchair.

"The warm water soothes his tight spasms and gives him much needed relief."

During lockdown Kerry and her police officer husband Sam had to shield to protect Ashton from coronvirus.

Kerry said: "Due to the nature of our jobs, we were unable to work during lockdown as it posed too much risk for Ashton.

We made the most of that time with daily hydrotherapy sessions for Ashton.

"Until then, Ashton didn't spend much time in our garden as there's really not much for him to do with him being in a wheelchair.

"Now it's his favourite place! He gets so excited when he knows it's hot tub time!"

Go here to read the rest:
Scots mum's joy as garden transformed into hot tub haven for son with cerebral palsy - Daily Record